When we first decided to open a USED bookstore, some people didn't share our excitement. One friend, though I suppose I should say FORMER friend, told me, "You'll never make it. You can't compete with Amazon." I never said I was trying to compete with Amazon! But that's fine. Losing a friendship over a dream just showed me who was really in my corner.
I also talked with an author--no names, of course, who admitted she hates used bookstores and thrift shops. Her reason was that she doesn't make any money when her books are sold secondhand. Honestly, I get where she's coming from. Writing is her work, her income. Still I couldn't help but feel there's something beautiful about a story finding a second life in someone else's hands.
So let's talk about USED BOOKS. There are more used books in the world than people with millions purchased every year, even in the age of Kindle. Steve and I receive donations weekly, sometimes daily, from people unsure of what to do with their books or the collections of loved ones. We don't buy books. We don't need to. With two full shipping containers, a packed garage, and our shop, we're overflowing with stories. Partnering with libraries, we collect surplus books as part of our mission: helping animals. A percentage of every used book sale goes toward buying pet food for local rescues and food pantries. Every story sold, helps feed more than minds...it helps feed lives.
The number of books we receive can be overwhelming. We hate saying no, but we can't save them all. We've become more selective, asking for approval before large drop-offs. Some books just don't sell and that's ok. Recycling a book isn't the end...it's a new beginning, giving it's pages new life. In Jefferson County (NY) paperbacks are 100% recyclable as long as they're clean and dry. You can place them directly into the paper recycling bin at the landfill. Hardcovers just need the covers, backs and spines removed. The North Country Library System does an excellent job with book recycling and often hosts recycling days. The Bookie Monster helps by disassembling books so they can be made into new products. Check with YOUR local landfill for specific recycling rules.
At the end of the day, every book deserves a second chance, whether that's in the hands of a new reader, tucked on a library or thrift shop shelf, or reborn through recycling. Giving your used books a new home keeps stories alive and paper out of landfills. After all, even recycling isn't the end of a book's journey--it's just another chapter in it's life!
